While I get to see lots of exhibitions worldwide through various blogs and websites every now and then an exhibition comes along that I really want to see in the flesh. This is the case with the Contemporary British Silversmiths current exhibition ‘Fit for Purpose’ which in on show in the V & A until the 16th September. Already I’m trying to think of excuses to take a trip to London!

What I love about this show is the diversity of the work. Each silversmiths explores the theme fit for purpose producing an imaginative interpretation of the exhibition title. The function of each object is explored both practically and conceptually and the finished piece is described by its purpose. For example the piece by Kevin Gray above is titled ‘…to possess’. I love this element of the exhibition which is very telling of how the maker would like their work to be used and enjoyed.

If you happen to be in London and see the exhibition I would love to hear what you think, hopefully I might make it there myself during the summer 🙂

You might have notice I took last week off from the blog. It wasn’t an intentional break, it was just that the making side of the business took over! There were lots of lovely jobs coming in to the workshop but here are some photos of just one to better explain my absence.

I just got a brochure for this summer’s jewellery courses at Birmingham City University. I spent last night going through the catalogue marking all the courses that interested me. If you’ve seen the line up for this summer you’ll understand how difficult it is to narrow down my choice. They have a brilliant classes taught by really accomplished makers.

You might remember that I went on the Syncalstic and Anticlastic forming course last summer which was taught by Cynthia Eid. It was such a great week, I learnt more than I could have possibly imagined in such a short space of time and I also got to visit all my favourite tool shops in the jewellery quarter. Considering my obsession with buying new and not so new tools this was like being let loose in a toy shop for a week. The weight of my suitcase coming home is testament to how little restraint I have when it comes to jewellery tools shopping.

So here are a few of the course I really want to go on this summer.

Creative Metal Forming with a Hydraulic Press by Cynthia Eid. This class combines using a hydraulic press with surface enrichment techniques. As part of the course you get to make and use your own embossing and silhouette dies.

Creative Microfolding, foldforming and Argentium Silver, Cynthia Eid. Fold forming is a technique I would love to improve and refine. It can create the most amazing effects and as this technique makes the metal stronger you can create very light but strong three dimensional forms.

Enamelling Introduction by Tamizan Savill. I’ve never had the opportunity to study enamelling and this course sounds like the perfect way to dip my toe into it and explore various techniques. I met Tamizan in Birmingham last year and saw some of her amazing work.

Keum Boo Embellish Silver with Gold, Katherine Campbell-Legg. Keum Boo is the technique of decorating silver with very thin sheets of gold foil. With gold prices increasing this is a great way of achieving that lovely gold silver contrast without the major expense.

Polishing Masterclass by Stephen M Goldsmith. As I mentioned last week polishing is one of those jobs I would rather not have to do. I’ve been thinking maybe it’s because I’m just not very good at it! So a course like this would be great to make me a better and more efficient polisher.

So there you have my summer course wish list. Would love to hear what courses interest you.

About

Jewellery Designer based in Cork, Ireland. Since finishing my Masters in design over ten years ago, I have worked as a Silver & Goldsmith creating unique jewellery, Wedding & Engagement Rings and Sculptural commissions. Read more about what I do here.